Packing boxes for storage is not rocket science, although without some experience doing it you might make minor mistakes that, over time, become considerable problems. The following tips will help you pack boxes to prepare for moving or long-term storage.

Should we take our boxes from the attic or garage and place them directly in storage?

When people place things in storage around their homes, whether in the garage or in the attic, generally much thought isn’t given to the organization of the things inside the boxes or the condition of the boxes themselves. Whether you should repack boxes you have in storage around your home will depend on how long you have used these boxes and what is inside them. If your box is falling apart, you should just automatically recycle it and get a new one, because moving the box from place to place shouldn’t be an anxiety-filled affair. If the items within the boxes are delicate, you’ll want to replace the box anyway, because if the box is exposed to different levels of humidity or temperatures, the box could break down more and expose its elements to the elements. Generally you will need to repack things you have had in the storage of your garage or attic.

Can I just use any kind of tape for these boxes?

Packing tape uses a specific adhesive that sticks especially well to boxes and paper materials. Use packing tape and not duct tape or masking tape might save you from a headache later. For instance, duct tape, if not completely sealed to any area on the box, is known to peel off over time by itself. The fine particles on boxes can cover the adhesive layer on duct tape without forming a bond, rendering the duct tape useless. The same is true for masking tape. Different adhesives are designed to bond with different kinds of materials, this is why it is best to use packing tape over any other kind of tape when you are preparing your boxes for storage.

How much stuff should I pack in each box?

Generally it is not recommended to pack more than 30 pounds in a box. But depending on what is inside, it might be wise to aim lower than that mark. Be sure to fill spaces in between objects with paper so that the contents to do move around when the box is moved from place to place. Generally bubble wrap for fragile items works well and paper for anything else. Pack the boxes tightly, filling in spaces with packing paper.